Juicy fruit! Bundy region leads citrus export explosion

INNOVATION and collaboration are driving massive growth in Queensland's citrus industry - and there's no better place to grow the juicy fruit than our region.

Exports jumped in value by 30% last year to $67 million across the state, and Bundaberg, Gayndah and Mundubbera lead the way.

At Wallaville farm Abbotsleigh Citrus, recently taken over by produce giant Nutrano, managing partner Michael McMahon said 3500 tonnes of mandarins, lemons and oranges travelled through the packing shed last year.

Bundaberg MP Leanne Donaldson said Trade and Investment Queensland and the Department of Agriculture had worked hard build relationships in foreign markets.

"I'm proud to say that the Bundaberg and Central Burnett regions are the biggest contributor of mandarins to Queensland's citrus output," she said, adding that the citrus success reflected the approach of the region's whole agriculture industry.

Bundaberg has the "perfect climate" for growing all kinds of fruit, Mr McMahon said, as well as being a destination for holiday workers and foodie tourists alike, according to Ms Donaldson.

The seasonal data from Citrus Australia reflects a continued upward trend in citrus exports with ABS figures showing exports from Queensland in 2015-16 valued at $48.4 million, up 68% from $28.8 million the previous financial year.